Selling FAQs


What happens on a market appraisal?

After using their experience, insight and all available resources to research the most recent sales in your neighbourhood, our trained marketing consultant will visit your home to view the property. This is your opportunity to tell them about any improvements or upgrades you’ve made. They’ll explain what Whitakers Estate Agents do to maximise exposure, as well as the various selling options available, before giving you a suggested asking price for the property. If you wish to choose Whitakers Estate Agents, they can take photos at this visit or return on another day. It should last no more than one hour.


Do I need to be home for every viewing?

Not if you sell with Whitakers Estate Agents – we give you the option of accompanied viewings, where our trained property consultant will show the potential buyer around, or you can do the viewing yourself if you prefer.


What’s the difference between an online estate agency and a high street agency?

Most online or ‘hybrid’ estate agents don’t have a local office. A ‘local property expert’, who can sometimes be responsible for a large area, will visit your home to give you a suggested asking price. Once your property is listed in most cases you’ll deal with a national call centre for any queries relating to the sale. In contrast, a high street agency like Whitakers Estate Agents offers trained, experienced professionals working locally. You can pop into our branch or call or email at any time and we pride ourselves on supporting customers right up until moving day. The other difference is that most online estate agents take payment up front (or via a credit agreement). This means they have no incentive to sell your property because they’ve already made their money. We offer a no sale, no fee basis – so you don’t have to pay a penny unless we sell your home.


How long will it take to get an offer?

It’s impossible to say because there are so many factors, but your best chance of securing an offer is in the first few weeks of the property being listed. That’s why it’s so important to price the property correctly first time.


Is it best to sell (subject to contract) before looking for properties?

It’s entirely your choice, there’s no right or wrong answer. Some people prefer to look for properties first, but you will be in stronger position as a buyer if you have already secured a sale (subject to contract) on your current property.


What will happen after I’ve accepted an offer?

Our sales negotiatiors will guide you through the next steps.


What will happen after I’ve accepted an offer?

Our sales negotiatiors will guide you through the next steps.


How do I find a solicitor?

We can put you in touch with one of our recommend partners from our panel of local solicitors.


How long will it take to complete the sale?

Even if there is no chain, it can take around eight weeks to complete local searches and exchange contracts. Often it can take months, especially if there is a complex chain.


What happens on moving day?

Once all parties are in agreement, your buyer’s solicitor will send the completion monies (e.g. mortgage sum and deposit) to your solicitor, who will then ‘release’ the keys. Your solicitor will be able to update you on the day and confirm a time that you will need to vacate the property.